Key Takeaways
- Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and require a smaller incision than silicone because they are inserted empty and filled once in place.
- If a saline implant ruptures, the body safely absorbs the saline, and the rupture is immediately detectable as the breast size visibly changes.
- Common risks include capsular contracture, wrinkling, and rupture, all of which are also present with silicone implants.
- Saline implants are FDA-approved for patients 18 and older and have not been linked to any autoimmune issues or systemic illness.
- The primary limitation of saline implants is that they may not look or feel as natural as silicone or native breast tissue.
One option for your breast augmentation is a saline implant: when compared to silicone, saline implants require a smaller incision and its easier to detect a leak or rupture (because the body absorbs the saline). While silicone implants look and feel more natural than saline, some clients still prefer the dramatic appearance and smaller incision that comes with saline implants.
Saline breast implants are filled with salt water, so if they do rupture, your body will just absorb the solution without harming you. This does make a rupture easy to detect, since your breast size will change noticeably, allowing you to notify your doctor and have them replaced as soon as possible. Saline implants are placed into the breasts when empty, and then filled. This is why they allow for a smaller incision, which lessens risks associated with larger incision sites.
Common risks associated with saline implants include capsular contracture, or a hardening of the tissue surrounding the breast implants, as well as wrinkling and rupture. These risks are also present with silicone implants. Saline implants are not lifetime medical devices, and may need to be replaced after several years.
Saline implants are FDA approved in patients who are 18 years old or older, and are incredibly safe. For many years, saline implants were the only implant FDA approved for use in breast augmentation. They are not linked to any autoimmune issues or other illnesses.
Perhaps the largest risk associated with saline implants is that they might not appear as natural as silicone, or as natural breast tissue does. Saline solution doesnt move or feel like natural breast tissue, so if youre seeking a subtle, natural look, silicone implants might be more appropriate for you. However, this isnt a safety risk!
Our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Fadi Nukta, will explain all the safety risks associated with breast augmentation and with your selected implants during your consultation at our Northern Virginia office. He will answer any questions you have, and will help you determine which form of implants is better for you based on your body type and desired outcome.
To schedule your consultation (or to have any questions answered), please call us at (703) 574-2588.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are saline breast implants safe?
Yes. Saline implants are FDA-approved for patients 18 and older and have been used in breast augmentation for many years. They are not linked to any autoimmune conditions or systemic illness. In the event of rupture, the sterile saline is safely absorbed by the body without causing harm.
What happens if a saline implant ruptures?
A saline implant rupture is easy to detect because the implant deflates quickly as the body absorbs the salt water, resulting in a noticeable decrease in breast size. Once detected, the ruptured implant can be replaced with minimal delay.
Why do saline implants require a smaller incision?
Saline implants are inserted into the breast pocket in an empty, deflated state and then filled with sterile saline solution after they are properly positioned. This means only the outer shell needs to fit through the incision, allowing for a smaller incision site compared to pre-filled silicone implants.
What are the main risks associated with saline implants?
The most common risks include capsular contracture, which is hardening of the tissue surrounding the implant, rippling or wrinkling visible through the skin, and implant rupture. These risks are shared with silicone implants and are significantly reduced by choosing a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience.
What is the main drawback of saline implants compared to silicone?
The primary limitation is aesthetics rather than safety. Saline solution does not move or feel like natural breast tissue the way silicone gel does, and wrinkling or rippling may occasionally be visible through the skin. For patients who want the most natural-looking and natural-feeling result, silicone implants are generally recommended.